New SOGI and Sex Characteristics Manual released

New SOGI and Sex Characteristics Manual released

June 22, 2016

In the wake of a heartbreaking week for the LGBTQI community, their family and friends directly and indirectly impacted upon by the Orlando massacre, the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions(APF) is launching its SOGI and Sex Characteristics Manual for NHRIs. This is a world-first publication by NHRIs on this issue.

We are positive that this manual will contribute to understanding of the gross human rights violations, discrimination that many LGBTI face including from within their own families. It is also a manual that provides hope, visibility and good information that can make that difference.

The APF-UNDP manual explores how NHRIs can work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities and better advocate for their rights. You can read the Manual here.

Equality and freedom from discrimination are fundamental human rights that belong to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people in the Asia Pacific region can experience shocking levels of violence, harassment and discrimination.

This includes extra-judicial killing, torture, rape, arbitrary detention, unfair trials and, in the case of women, forced pregnancy and forced marriage. They face exclusion and discrimination in relation to work, education and accessing health and housing services. People who are gender diverse can also face barriers getting legal recognition of their sex in official documents and government records.